41 Beautiful Flowers With Surprising Meanings

In the past, a rose was not simply a rose — it carried a message to its intended recipient. Despite the beauty in the floral realm, not every bloom had a positive meaning. These particular ones, which we found in A Victorian Flower Dictionary and The Farmer's Almanac, are some of the most interesting.

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Daffodils

Daffodils

Gift these cheery blooms to someone celebrating a new job, a new home, or a new addition to their family — daffodils stand for "new beginnings."

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/ Nicolette Wells

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Daisies

Daisies

It's one of the first flowers we learned to draw, so it's only appropriate they'd represent innocence.

Forget-Me-Not

Forget-Me-Not

Camellia

These impressive, lush flowers were beloved by the Victorians, and were given the meaning "my destiny is in your hands."

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Purple Hyacinth

Owing its origin to the myth of Apollo and Hyacinthus (the former accidentally killed the latter), the purple version of this bloom means "please forgive me."

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Carnation

These ruffly flowers don't have the best reputation, but if you love to give them, choose white ("sweet and lovely") or pink ("I will never forget you"). The two-toned version means "I cannot be with you," and yellow ones signify "disdain."

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Anemone

These quirky blooms take their name from the Greek word for wind (anemos) since their lives are so short. The Victorians offered anemones the meaning "forsaken."

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Chamomile

Though a symbol of rest and relaxation today (mmm, chamomile tea), this flower signified "energy in adversity" in the 19th century.

Rhododendron

Sunflower

Legend has it that when Spanish explorers reached the Americas, they thought sunflowers were made of real gold. Of course, they were wrong, hence the meaning "false riches."

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Verbena

Due to their prominent place in religious ceremonies throughout history, these petite purple flowers mean "pray for me."

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Tansy

These yellow puffballs look friendly, but they carry a sinister message: "I declare war on you."

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Basil

This herb isn't often grown to give as a bouquet (it's more of a pizza topping than a floral centerpiece), and maybe that's a good thing — according to the Victorians, who didn't care for the strong flavor, it means "hate."